JQuest @ Shaare Emeth

Pre-K*, Kindergarten and 1^st Grade

JQuest @ Shaare Emeth is a joyful start to Jewish learning for “Jew-ish” families with young children (Pre-K, Kindergarten and 1st Grade). This learning adventure is a developmentally appropriate program that builds upon parent-child co-learning experiences and is open to the entire community, without barriers to participation.

With the generosity of the Louis and Pauline Krasner Fund, we are able to make JQuest tuition-free for every single child. A materials fee (details on the right) is the only cost for this incredible experience. With no obligation to membership or paying tuition, this is our gift to the children and families of the St. Louis Jewish community.

JQuest will be made up of weekly Sunday morning programming just for kids, led by an amazing team of educators, as well as Family & Me co-learning experiences 3-4 times per year. These family gatherings will bring parents and guardians together with their children for fun, creative Jewish experiences they can do together. It might be a trip to the planetarium to learn how the Jewish calendar relies on the moon and stars, baking challah, a parent discussion on mindfulness, or a project about favorite family stories. Shaare Emeth clergy join for these experiences so parents and children can build relationships with them in these smaller groups. We can’t wait for you to join us for this unique, totally fun, and accessible program!

We believe that parents of diverse Jewish backgrounds possess a desire to raise their children to be good, compassionate people grounded in strong values. They may choose to be members of a synagogue, or they might be unaffiliated at this stage of their journey. Whatever path they are on, they want their children to know Jewish traditions and stories and to begin to discover the joy of their heritage. We also know that at the time their children reach Pre-K or the early elementary years, they may not be ready to make a commitment to attending traditional “religious school.” This is our inspiration for JQuest @ Shaare Emeth!

*Our PreK program is open to children who are fully potty-trained and plan to start kindergarten the following year. For the 2025-26 school year, this includes children born on or before July 31, 2021 who plan to start kindergarten in Fall 2026. Please contact Emily Cohen if you have any questions about enrollment.

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Questions?

Materials Fees

Pre-K: $54
Kindergarten: $72
1st Grade: $108

Schedule

Sunday Schedule

Sundays • 9–11 a.m.

Made with ❤ with Elementor

ABOUT

Madeleine Elkins & Harvey Wallace

2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award Honorees

Madeleine and Harvey have been cherished members of Congregation Shaare Emeth since 1996. Shortly after their wedding, they began “shul shopping” and quickly found a spiritual home at Shaare Emeth—a community whose warmth and values resonated deeply with them. Since then, they have become pillars of both the congregation and the broader St. Louis community.

Madeleine Elkins built a distinguished 45-year career in the corporate world, with leadership roles in medical supply distribution and law firm financial management. Alongside her professional accomplishments, Madeleine has always made time for meaningful volunteer work. She served on the board of the St. Louis Breast Cancer Coalition and was part of the organizing committee for the JCC Senior Olympics in its early years. Her dedication to Jewish community life is evident in her service on various committees for the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, including co-chairing the 2017 L’Chaim Event. In 2022, she and Harvey co-chaired the JCC’s J’la gala, raising vital funds for scholarships. At Shaare Emeth, Madeleine is a compassionate member of the Caring Committee, and in 2025, she joined the board of the American Jewish Committee, continuing her lifelong commitment to advocacy and service.

Harvey Wallace is a trailblazer in the accounting world and a passionate community leader. In 1973, he co-founded Brown Smith Wallace, a firm that grew to become the 77th largest CPA firm in the United States, with 340 team members at the time of its 2021 merger with Armanino LLP. He now brings his expertise to Private Fiduciary Solutions. Harvey’s professional success is matched by his extraordinary record of community service. He has held leadership roles on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Federation of St. Louis (where he served as Chairman from 2015 to 2017), Jewish Family Services, The Magic House (Chairman, 2013–2014), Wyman Center, and the Chancellor’s Council at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. His civic engagement also includes board service with the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital, the St. Louis Community Foundation, and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center. Harvey has been a dedicated member of the St. Louis Men’s Group Against Cancer and was honored with the Missouri Society of Certified Public Accountants Outstanding Public Service Award.

Madeleine and Harvey are blessed with two sons and daughters-in-law, Brad & Elizabeth Wallace and David & Melissa Wallace, and four grandchildren Emma (23), Katie (19), Miriam (13), and Aaron (11).

Together, Madeleine and Harvey exemplify the spirit of generosity, leadership, and compassion. Their decades of service have touched countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community. We are proud to honor them with the 2025 Harris Frank Community Service Award.

JQuest @ Shaare Emeth